Splended Calypso & Pan Holger Laumann

Review

Splended Calypso & Pan is a potpourri and moves at an unhurried pace. It is seemingly put together with the intent to impress the listener with an assortment of familiar tunes penned by Kitchener, Shorty, Merchant, Scrunter, and one each by Len Boogsie Sharpe and Holger Laumann, the producer. The CD also boasts a list of twenty musicians including vocalists and five pannists counting notables Len Boogsie Sharpe and Anise Hadeed. Raf Robertson performs as the pianist and keyboardist.

I Go Tobago, a Chuck Mangione sounding rendition, is the catchy tune that highlights Toby Tobias’ measured drumming and Holger Laumann’s funky soprano sax. This and the other nine tracks would fit neatly into the Easy Listening section of most people’s collection. [eCaroh/Ron]